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SKINCARE DECODED • 16 BASICS 101 • 17

Lipid Matrix In a nutshell, this barrier keeps

the bad guys (pollutants, pathogens) out and

the good guys (water!) in. This is why you hear

all that talk about “barrier functions”—it helps

prevent water from evaporating out of the skin,

causing dry skin. More technically, the integrity

of this matrix is important to overall skin health,

as itʼs the reason the skin surface is mainly hy-

drophobic. Consists mostly of ceramides, fatty

acids, and cholesterol.

Hyaluronic Acid This popular skincare ingre-

dient is actually naturally found in your skin in

both the epidermis and dermis as a structural

support and water grabber.

Acid Mantle & Microbiome Your SC has a

slightly acidic pH that acts as a great defense

system. Fun fact! The pH of your skin affects the

little microbes living on its surface. There are

theories out there that tie elevated skin pH to

irritation and even acne.

A Closer Look: Epidermis

N

ow that we’ve established some basics, let’s zoom in on the epidermis,

as that’s where most skincare products go to work.

You Are Here

Melanocytes Responsible for the pigment

in your skin. They produce melanosomes

(small packets of pigment) as a protective,

defensive reaction to sun damage. Some-

times they can get carried away due to

excessive sun damage and stress, and cause

freckles and hyperpigmentation (dark spots).

Your anti-dark-spots serum targets these

little guys.

Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs)

Though your SC is mostly fatty, it requires some

level of water to function correctly. Meet your

NMFs. Molecules like urea, lactic acid, and so-

dium PCA act as your skin’s naturally occurring

water grabbers.

Corneocyte

Lipid Matrix

Natural

Moisturizing

Factors

(NMF)

Cermide

Free

Fatty

Acid